Projects / Programmes
Development and application of advanced numerical and experimental methods in study of karst processes
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.05.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Mechanics |
Numerical modelling |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P510 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physical geography, geomorphology, pedology, cartography, climatology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 2.03 |
Engineering and Technology |
Mechanical engineering |
karst, numerical modelling, multiphysics problems
Researchers (19)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Karst is an earth system, with distinctive features related to the dissolution of rocks in ground water and surface water. Almost half of Slovenia is karstic. Slovenia is the land of Classical karst, where first scientific studies were done. Karst has large socio economic importance for Slovenia; about half of the population is supplied with water from the karst aquifers. Several karst phenomena are worldwide known touristic attractions. The recent trend in geosciences aims at understanding basic processes which drive the development and function of these systems. Karst makes no exception; however, many forms and mechanisms in karst are still not process based resolved. To account for this, the main goal of the proposed project is to develop and apply advanced numerical model in karst research. Three cases have been selected, which present important issues in basic understanding of karst system. For the first case, a model to explore fine structure of flow and dissolution processes at the water rock interface in karst conduits will be developed. Model will be based on a one domain concept and discretisation with a local meshless method. In a second case we will study reactive gravitational flow and transport in partially saturated fractured medium, to account for the problem of the vadose zone in karst. Complex geometry of porosity and multiphase nature of the problem will be treated by use of the Lattice-Boltzmann method and the method of the Smoothed Particles Hydrodynamics. In third case, already existing models will be used to systematically study the relation between the parameter space of typical karstification environments and resulting geometry of conduit networks.
The project will join three partners from Slovenia, Karst Reserch Institute ZRC SAZU (KRI), Laboratory fro Multiphase Processes at the University of Nova Gorica (LMP) and hight-tech company C3M. They combine broad knowledge and expertise on karst and numerical methods. A group from the Free University in Berlin (FUB) will also cooperate.
Significance for science
Karst research has been increasingly focused toward understanding basic processes and mechanisms which drive its evolution and function. To this extent a quantitative modelling approach is becoming one of the cornerstones of modern karst studies. Karst with the complexity of processes poses many open questions to modellers. We have discovered new speleogenetic mechanisms and introduced new modelling approaches to ground water flow and dissolution of soluble rocks. Results have been presented to international scientific community and have already initiated new research by other teams. Many collaboration proposals are clear proof of our success.
Significance for the country
Slovenia is a land of Classical Karst, where karst phenomena attracted first scientific attention. Slovene karstology with Karst Research Institute SRC SASA holds the leading position. However, this position will only be kept when new original contributions presenting milestones in karstology are made here. We are convinced that this project has resulted in such contributions. Furthermore, the project brought together research team with different but complementary profiles, who are already having concrete discussion on the future cooperation.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2011,
2012,
2013,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
